After working early this morning, I found myself in the gym at 9am.
That turned into a 2.5 hour workout session.
Why?
Just because I had time to burn before my next gig.
And it felt AMAZING. I'm still at that point where I am trying to work out my body's limits, and whilst I did push today, I know I can push harder. I just didn't want to overdo it and leave myself crippled for days! LOL!
I see people's fitness pics all the time on FB. What's really inspiring is how women are moving from just doing cardio to lose weight, to lifting in order to be strong. Over the last couple of years, strong has definitely become the new sexy and that is the direction I want to take myself in. Everyone looks fantastic and healthy and sexy, and a bit of extra muscle is never a bad thing if you need to box someone in the face!
I don't have the time to spend that long in the gym everyday, but I definitely want to be hitting at least 3 days a week of substantial weight training, on top of the aerobics classes I want to go to. My gym membership is so expensive, and for years, I have been throwing that money away by not going....that definitely needs to change this year.
I just wish I had a workout buddy! I remember when I was in Kyushu, my girl and I always went to the gym together, and we ended up going like 3 or 4 times a week. That was a nice routine. Hopefully I can get back into that again! Meanwhile, if anyone out there is going to Tipness, hit me up!
On a completely different note, I went on an impromptu trip to Okinawa last weekend. It was weird going there and not seeing the people I usually see when I head down there. I'd never been there in this season either, so that a bit different as well. One thing's for sure, memories came flooding back and it made me wish my friends were still there.
The weekend definitely went in a different direction than I was expecting. It was this crazy mix of emotions, and to say that I was left completely confused is an understatement. I don't know how else to describe it!
Regardless, I loved getting away for the weekend. I'm not going to be able to go far every month, but just to get out of Tokyo and be in different surroundings is just such a nice change. I didn't have it last year. And this year is definitely the year when I'm going to be making some major changes. Some are scary, some are not. Some will cause pain, others will cause happiness.
The number one thing for me right now, is to work on myself and what's important to me.
xoxo
Friday 23 January 2015
Tuesday 13 January 2015
Back In The Gym
It's been less than a week since I've been back, but I can't tell you how much happier I am with the changes I've been making.
I don't know how everything will work out in the long run, but for now, I'm smiling.
I went back to the gym for the first time this year this afternoon. From November, I changed my membership so that I could go to any branch of my gym, but I hadn't really had a chance to take full advantage of it before because I was stuck where I was during the day.
Now that I am more flexible, I was able to take a few hours out to try a different aqua class. And I LOVED it! It was nice to be with a different instructor, different pool, different vibe. It was also much tougher than some of the other aqua sessions that I'd been to....or maybe that was the result of not having worked out for a couple of weeks. LOL!
Whatever the reason, it felt so good to be working out again. I did get a bit of a shock when I stepped on the scales, but I will still do what I can to put another few kilos back on. Probably the complete opposite to most other people's resolutions! HAHAHA! Now I just need to do a mammoth supermarket shop so that I can start making lunch and see if I can cut down how much money I'm spending during the day.
Need to save that money so that I can travel! (*^_^*)
I'm really looking forward to seeing how the rest of the month pans out.
xoxo
I don't know how everything will work out in the long run, but for now, I'm smiling.
I went back to the gym for the first time this year this afternoon. From November, I changed my membership so that I could go to any branch of my gym, but I hadn't really had a chance to take full advantage of it before because I was stuck where I was during the day.
Now that I am more flexible, I was able to take a few hours out to try a different aqua class. And I LOVED it! It was nice to be with a different instructor, different pool, different vibe. It was also much tougher than some of the other aqua sessions that I'd been to....or maybe that was the result of not having worked out for a couple of weeks. LOL!
Whatever the reason, it felt so good to be working out again. I did get a bit of a shock when I stepped on the scales, but I will still do what I can to put another few kilos back on. Probably the complete opposite to most other people's resolutions! HAHAHA! Now I just need to do a mammoth supermarket shop so that I can start making lunch and see if I can cut down how much money I'm spending during the day.
Need to save that money so that I can travel! (*^_^*)
I'm really looking forward to seeing how the rest of the month pans out.
xoxo
Sunday 11 January 2015
Positive Thinking
OK, so I didn't get quite the start to the new year that I was looking for.
=(
BUT, I have decided to step on it sharp, and am trying to turn it around ASAP. I've spent a lot of time over the last couple of days looking at my schedule and making changes and plans.
I've only been back in Japan for a couple of days, but I already feel so much happier about my work situation. Working for myself seems to have made such a big difference on my work/life balance. I'm doing my job and then leaving. No sitting around with dead time, no having to wait until the end of the day to leave even though I've finished everything that I needed to do for the day...none of that. The biggest thing really is not having the dead time. I start working, am constantly busy, and then I leave. The financial implications of the decision I made don't seem to have been so bad so far...but it's only been a couple of days. I'll see how that pans out for the rest of the month. The good thing about that is, there is the option to work a little more if I need a bit more cash.
And even if there is any dead time in my schedule, I am going to fill it by going to the gym. I'm really looking forward to getting back into the pool this month, as well as starting a couple of new classes and making progress with the weight training. I haven't been back this year yet, but I'm planning on starting again on Tuesday. It's just nice to have that option RIGHT THERE if I find myself with a quiet day. I don't need to get on the scales to know that I have already put some weight back on. Don't worry - it's a good thing! I'm most definitely not complaining!
I just hate feeling like I'm wasting my time. Especially when I could be doing something more productive - that's kind of how I was feeling towards the end of last year. Just getting home at a reasonable hour has made a difference on my general attitude and feeling. I'm still feeling the jet lag and still need to catch up on sleep, but a good start with this so far.
I'm planning to start the year as I mean to go on. You'll see what I mean later in the week!
xoxo
=(
BUT, I have decided to step on it sharp, and am trying to turn it around ASAP. I've spent a lot of time over the last couple of days looking at my schedule and making changes and plans.
I've only been back in Japan for a couple of days, but I already feel so much happier about my work situation. Working for myself seems to have made such a big difference on my work/life balance. I'm doing my job and then leaving. No sitting around with dead time, no having to wait until the end of the day to leave even though I've finished everything that I needed to do for the day...none of that. The biggest thing really is not having the dead time. I start working, am constantly busy, and then I leave. The financial implications of the decision I made don't seem to have been so bad so far...but it's only been a couple of days. I'll see how that pans out for the rest of the month. The good thing about that is, there is the option to work a little more if I need a bit more cash.
And even if there is any dead time in my schedule, I am going to fill it by going to the gym. I'm really looking forward to getting back into the pool this month, as well as starting a couple of new classes and making progress with the weight training. I haven't been back this year yet, but I'm planning on starting again on Tuesday. It's just nice to have that option RIGHT THERE if I find myself with a quiet day. I don't need to get on the scales to know that I have already put some weight back on. Don't worry - it's a good thing! I'm most definitely not complaining!
I just hate feeling like I'm wasting my time. Especially when I could be doing something more productive - that's kind of how I was feeling towards the end of last year. Just getting home at a reasonable hour has made a difference on my general attitude and feeling. I'm still feeling the jet lag and still need to catch up on sleep, but a good start with this so far.
I'm planning to start the year as I mean to go on. You'll see what I mean later in the week!
xoxo
Thursday 8 January 2015
Special People
So yesterday, I arrived safe and sound back in Tokyo.
How gorgeous is the weather over here right now?
I've found myself having completely mixed feelings about being back. It's made me reflect a lot on my time in London and the people I managed to see, as well as the people I didn't get round to seeing this time.
I'm going to do something I have never done since I started this blog.
Naming names. Mainly because it would create an impossibly long FB post, if I tried to say what I wanted to say on there. About the people I saw when I went back home.
I spent so much time thinking yesterday. Probably too much. The problem with thinking is it can create all these scenarios in your head. And those scenarios are driven by fear. And fear has the power to wholly consume you and make you lose your damn mind.
What a crappy emotion.
And what a difficult emotion to try and let go. So much of what we do (or don't do) is governed by fear. I hate it. It's something I would love to change, but I have no idea how to. It's all very well to tell someone to just "let it go", but sometimes it isn't that easy. Any tips are more than welcome.
First of all, I want to express my massive gratitude to Helen. You have been more than amazing over the last few months and your ear has been invaluable during that time. You have listened and shown nothing but support, even though you may not necessarily agree with my actions, you have shown me through your own experience that you understand and just want the best for me. Thank you so much for being there and listen to me drone on.
Then again, massive thanks to Gareth and Keith. Mainly for the same reason - your ears. I know you don't approve of certain things I'm doing, but know that I do appreciate your tough love and brutal honesty. I have not dismissed what you have told me, or your advice - I have taken it on board and will think about it when making final decisions. Thanks guys.
To my gorgeous sister for being a massive inspiration to get fit and start lifting. And also thanks to her boyfriend, Gareth for being such a positive influence on her...and impressing me with choosing my fave brand of make-up as a Christmas present. Definitely extra brownie points there!
Also, to reconnecting with family. It was such a pleasure to finally meet my Bajan nan and spend time with my aunt and cousins.
To Sam. You are a shining example how being a young mum does not mean your life is over. You can still chase a successful career, and I am so proud of you! Also to Rhonda, although you are both mothers, I love how you don't judge others based on their differing beliefs to your own. Thank you for your support in that regard - it means a lot. And more importantly, thank you for the HUGE laughs. I miss those a lot.
To my little dumpling, Nancy. May be both be strong and understand what we deserve this year! It was so fantastic to see you just for the afternoon. This holiday is happening! And to Neville and Hardeep for reminding me how AMAZING British banter is! I laughed so hard with you guys I literally couldn't breathe! That was seriously above average wit and one of my favourite nights out while I was back. Jokers - you guys are great!
To Jack. My favourite travel buddy and dear friend. I miss you loads and catching up with you is always one of my favourite things to do. I LOVE how much we laugh! I hope that you can find what you're looking for this year. Xoxo.
To Keiko. You have been a figure of strength and support since the day I met you. I absolutely adored seeing you in my hometown and love how much you and George are loving it! We'll do the cooking next time, ne!
To Darren. One of my besties that I've know for 14 years. Thank you for your constant support and for always listening. BEHAVE YOURSELF THIS YEAR! HAHAHAHAHA!!!
And finally, to Dean. Who is proof that choosing happiness over money can still lead back to money! Congratulations on all your success!
To everyone else I didn't manage to see when I was back, until next time my friends!
Thanks everyone. Special, special people.
xoxo
How gorgeous is the weather over here right now?
I've found myself having completely mixed feelings about being back. It's made me reflect a lot on my time in London and the people I managed to see, as well as the people I didn't get round to seeing this time.
I'm going to do something I have never done since I started this blog.
Naming names. Mainly because it would create an impossibly long FB post, if I tried to say what I wanted to say on there. About the people I saw when I went back home.
I spent so much time thinking yesterday. Probably too much. The problem with thinking is it can create all these scenarios in your head. And those scenarios are driven by fear. And fear has the power to wholly consume you and make you lose your damn mind.
What a crappy emotion.
And what a difficult emotion to try and let go. So much of what we do (or don't do) is governed by fear. I hate it. It's something I would love to change, but I have no idea how to. It's all very well to tell someone to just "let it go", but sometimes it isn't that easy. Any tips are more than welcome.
First of all, I want to express my massive gratitude to Helen. You have been more than amazing over the last few months and your ear has been invaluable during that time. You have listened and shown nothing but support, even though you may not necessarily agree with my actions, you have shown me through your own experience that you understand and just want the best for me. Thank you so much for being there and listen to me drone on.
Then again, massive thanks to Gareth and Keith. Mainly for the same reason - your ears. I know you don't approve of certain things I'm doing, but know that I do appreciate your tough love and brutal honesty. I have not dismissed what you have told me, or your advice - I have taken it on board and will think about it when making final decisions. Thanks guys.
To my gorgeous sister for being a massive inspiration to get fit and start lifting. And also thanks to her boyfriend, Gareth for being such a positive influence on her...and impressing me with choosing my fave brand of make-up as a Christmas present. Definitely extra brownie points there!
Also, to reconnecting with family. It was such a pleasure to finally meet my Bajan nan and spend time with my aunt and cousins.
To Sam. You are a shining example how being a young mum does not mean your life is over. You can still chase a successful career, and I am so proud of you! Also to Rhonda, although you are both mothers, I love how you don't judge others based on their differing beliefs to your own. Thank you for your support in that regard - it means a lot. And more importantly, thank you for the HUGE laughs. I miss those a lot.
To my little dumpling, Nancy. May be both be strong and understand what we deserve this year! It was so fantastic to see you just for the afternoon. This holiday is happening! And to Neville and Hardeep for reminding me how AMAZING British banter is! I laughed so hard with you guys I literally couldn't breathe! That was seriously above average wit and one of my favourite nights out while I was back. Jokers - you guys are great!
To Jack. My favourite travel buddy and dear friend. I miss you loads and catching up with you is always one of my favourite things to do. I LOVE how much we laugh! I hope that you can find what you're looking for this year. Xoxo.
To Keiko. You have been a figure of strength and support since the day I met you. I absolutely adored seeing you in my hometown and love how much you and George are loving it! We'll do the cooking next time, ne!
To Darren. One of my besties that I've know for 14 years. Thank you for your constant support and for always listening. BEHAVE YOURSELF THIS YEAR! HAHAHAHAHA!!!
And finally, to Dean. Who is proof that choosing happiness over money can still lead back to money! Congratulations on all your success!
To everyone else I didn't manage to see when I was back, until next time my friends!
Thanks everyone. Special, special people.
xoxo
Tuesday 6 January 2015
Big Belly Laughs
Without a doubt, one of my absolute favourite things of this trip back home has been...
...laughter.
And I'm not just talking about a little giggle. I'm talking about those gigantic, bellowing cackles from the deepest part of the belly.
LOL!
I haven't laughed that much in...months? Years? Nah, let's go with months.
It's seriously what's been missing from my life. Laughter. And the strange thing was when I let out this huge belly laugh, I was like wooooaaaahhhhh that's LOUD. And in combination with my girls' cackles, was enough to turn heads wherever we were.
So much fun. I've loved it.
I need to make sure I keep having those big belly laughs when I get back to Japan. It's healthy, it makes you feel good and for a split second, you can forget everything else that has been going on. Just for a split second.
Made jokes.
Thank you my lovelies!
xoxo
...laughter.
And I'm not just talking about a little giggle. I'm talking about those gigantic, bellowing cackles from the deepest part of the belly.
LOL!
I haven't laughed that much in...months? Years? Nah, let's go with months.
It's seriously what's been missing from my life. Laughter. And the strange thing was when I let out this huge belly laugh, I was like wooooaaaahhhhh that's LOUD. And in combination with my girls' cackles, was enough to turn heads wherever we were.
So much fun. I've loved it.
I need to make sure I keep having those big belly laughs when I get back to Japan. It's healthy, it makes you feel good and for a split second, you can forget everything else that has been going on. Just for a split second.
Made jokes.
Thank you my lovelies!
xoxo
Friday 2 January 2015
Happy New Year!
First entry of 2015!
I have decided to be a much better blogger this year - last year just got so hectic and I didn't have time, but since I'm planning on making some seriously big changes this year, hopefully that will mean I'll be able to write more.
I saw in the new year in London watching the London fireworks. Had I known that it had become a ticketed event, I definitely would have paid the £10 for a better view. Although I still feel it's a little bit naughty to charge for an event like that, I do get the reasoning behind it. Even outside the ticketed area, the vibe was good and people were having a good time.
So how has the first day of the new year been?
Well, I received a message on NYE which gave me hope and I know I went into this year feeling more positive about things than I have for a while. I've also reconnected with family...which was seriously awesome.....but that's a whole other story for another day.
I'm just determined to enjoy my last few days in London catching up with friends. I can't believe that I'm already going to be leaving on Tuesday - time flies by so fast! I don't even feel like I've had the chance to properly rest and chill out - I always try and see as many people as possible. Hopefully I'll be able to get a bit of down time before heading back to hectic Tokyo.
It's a new year. Fresh start.
Make it a good one!
xoxo
I have decided to be a much better blogger this year - last year just got so hectic and I didn't have time, but since I'm planning on making some seriously big changes this year, hopefully that will mean I'll be able to write more.
I saw in the new year in London watching the London fireworks. Had I known that it had become a ticketed event, I definitely would have paid the £10 for a better view. Although I still feel it's a little bit naughty to charge for an event like that, I do get the reasoning behind it. Even outside the ticketed area, the vibe was good and people were having a good time.
So how has the first day of the new year been?
Well, I received a message on NYE which gave me hope and I know I went into this year feeling more positive about things than I have for a while. I've also reconnected with family...which was seriously awesome.....but that's a whole other story for another day.
I'm just determined to enjoy my last few days in London catching up with friends. I can't believe that I'm already going to be leaving on Tuesday - time flies by so fast! I don't even feel like I've had the chance to properly rest and chill out - I always try and see as many people as possible. Hopefully I'll be able to get a bit of down time before heading back to hectic Tokyo.
It's a new year. Fresh start.
Make it a good one!
xoxo
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